VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis, in his first feedback on the tensions between the West and Russia over Ukraine, known as on Sunday for critical international dialogue to resolve tensions and urged either side to keep away from an armed battle.
He stated he was praying for “expensive Ukraine, for all its church buildings and spiritual communities and for all of its individuals, in order that tensions there are resolved by way of a critical international dialogue and never with weapons”.
“Weapons usually are not the trail to take. May this Christmas deliver peace to Ukraine,” the pope informed hundreds of individuals in St. Peter’s Square for his midday blessing and tackle.
Ukraine is predominantly Orthodox Christian, with Catholics of both the Latin Rite or Byzantine ceremony making up about 10percent% of the inhabitants within the former Soviet republic.
U.S. President Joe Biden stated on Saturday he had informed Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia would pay “a horrible worth” and face devastating financial penalties if it invaded Ukraine.
Ukraine has accused Russia of massing tens of hundreds of troops in preparation for a attainable large-scale navy offensive.
Russia denies planning any assault and accuses Ukraine and the United States of destabilising behaviour, and has stated it wants safety ensures for its personal safety.
(Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Gareth Jones and Frances Kerry)
